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Garonga Safari Camp has had an incredibly interesting year so far. The camp reopened its doors on the 1st of June 2016 after a three-month long revamp. The Garonga team is delighted with the camp’s fresh new look and the colour scheme which they proudly refer to as ‘wet elephant’.

The refurbished camp has only been open for just over a month but the recent Garonga guests have not been shy to compliment the camp on TripAdvisor.

Here are a few of our top picks from the review portal:

We had an absolutely fantastic time during our stay in the stunning Hambleden Suite at Little Garonga. We had our own pool on our deck which overlooked a watering hole, and every detail had been considered in our rooms – even down to our favourite drinks! – Nikkicsmith, the UK

‘Garonga is overwhelmingly beautiful. The accommodation is spa-like elegance with every attention to detail. The resort is small so the service is personalized. The staff and guides/trackers ensure all your needs are met.’
– DueNorthDragonflies, Canada

‘This camp has just been revamped and looks great! Super friendly staff and hosts who made our safari and stay as memorable as possible. Honestly – whoever wants to brunch together with elephants in the morning – just book your stay here. Super spacious tents with STUNNING views over the dry riverbed.’
– Weltenbummlerin06, Germany

‘Totally “in awe” with the newly revamped Garonga! Luxurious tented rooms, spacious both inside and outside – what beautiful decks. Amazing bathrooms and oh the outdoor shower. The staff are so friendly and attentative to one’s needs, and the food outstanding.’
– shezpb, South Africa

Whilst the Garonga team excitedly awaits the grand reopening of the camp and to share new safari experiences with guests, the Makalali wildlife is in full action.

Since we still need to wait for a tiny bit longer before venturing into the African bush to witness these wildlife shenanigans with our own eyes with Garonga, we decided to take a trip back in time and share a few video clips from recent Garonga guests to alleviate our safari craving:

The Garonga crew is pleased to announce that the much-anticipated camp revamp has kicked off. The construction team is tirelessly erecting new structures and assembling pillars to refresh the camp’s appearance.

After a couple of weeks of enthused labor the main lounge roof is nearly finished. Here’s is a peek into the refurb:

The Makalali concession is once again teeming with wildlife activity. From sharp-toothed predators to gracious antelope there has recently been a lot to see in this animal kingdom.

Elephant sightings are a firm favourite amongst many Garonga guests. From an unhurried afternoon stroll in the bush to a battle of the strongest observing these gorgeous animals is a captivating occasion.

This video shows a sneak peek into the lives of the Garonga elephants.

Summer is well under way in Makalali and romance is in the air. Bush weddings are one of Garonga Safari Camp’s specialties. Picture standing on a raised deck in the middle of the wild African bushveld and saying ‘I Do’ to the love of your life. Magical!

Ruth and Adam Gooding, who recently tied the knot at Garonga, did just that. They wrote about their special day in a blog article:

Our wedding took place at the small sleep out deck that the camp maintains, about a 20-minute drive from the camp it is built into a tree overlooking a watering hole. During a stunningly warm clear day, we exchanged our vows above this magnificent countryside, and were joined by some of the locals!

There is something excitingly unique about combining your wedding with an African safari.

Ruth and Adam described a particularly memorable bush moment by writing:The moment when we were sat in the Land Rover as a herd of approx. 40 elephants (from young calves to majestic old bulls) emerged from the bush to walk around the vehicle as we sat speechless, will forever linger in my memory.

Wildlife encounters at Garonga certainly didn’t end for the happy couple when they retired into the intimate newlyweds’ love den during their stay. Ruth and Adam wrote:

The Hambledon Suite is beautifully appointed and blessed with a deck and plunge pool overlooking the river bed running in front of the camp, often a meeting place for a couple of elephants during our stay, and the throaty sounds of a pair of young male lions were a welcome soundtrack in the evenings. With nothing to separate the camps from the bush you are often greeted at all times by the local wildlife wandering through the camp, which just adds to the allure!